What to do as a Tenant during the NSW Floods
New South Wales has recently experienced some of the worst flooding in its history, with thousands of hectares of land inundated across the state and an estimated $5.5 billion dollars’ worth of damages. The raging floodwaters have damaged or destroyed hundreds of properties, leaving entire communities stranded as emergency services and local authorities scramble to deal with the crisis.
For those affected by the floods, their problems have been exacerbated as insurers announce that they will not be extending policies for homes that are deemed too vulnerable to future flooding. If you have been affected by flooding, or have questions about the current situation, this article will provide some answers to your queries.
What to do if your property has been affected by flooding:
If you are renting an affected property, contact your landlord as soon as possible to negotiate your tenancy terms and rent. Your landlord is responsible for any necessary repairs. If you cannot contact them, you can initiate the repairs yourself. If you encounter problems with your landlord, there is the option of Tribunal, which can impose enforceable orders. It is a cheap and effective way to deal with disputes.
In the situation that your home has been severely affected, you can apply for temporary accommodation at caravan parks or similar sites. An additional option is contacting Rental Support Service if you are a tenant in temporary shelter, this service provides you with up to 16 weeks of rental support.
Lastly, if the floods have damaged important documents such as family law papers, contact SafeWork NSW as soon as possible to obtain a replacement copy.
Insurance & Support Packages:
The NSW government has announced support packages for individuals, families and businesses affected by floods. To claim these packages, you will need to prove your identity and tenancy/ownership of property as well as provide photos outlining the damage.
As for insurance, contact your insurer as soon as it is convenient so that you can get a claim. It is important to check whether your insurer covers flood damages to your property and possessions. Do not worry if your insurance documents have been lost as your insurer will have a copy. You are entitled to either be fully insured or offered a cash settlement for insurance.
If your insurance application is rejected or you are unhappy with the outcome, you can file a complaint with either your insurer or the Insurance Law Service.
If you run into issues with your insurer, contact a lawyer as soon as possible to address any disputes. Here at Wainwright Legal, the team is always happy to help with your commercial and property matters. Do not hesitate to give us a call at (02) 9170 0899 and we will do our best to assist you.